Identification Requirements

What do I need to bring with me to get a Colorado driver license, permit or ID card?

The Identification Requirements chart shows the documents you need to present to a driver license employee to prove the following elements: full legal name, date of birth, identity and lawful presence. In some cases, a single document may be all you need. However, you may need to bring multiple documents to prove all four elements. All documents presented must be certified originals, certified amended originals or true copies certified by the issuing agency. If you cannot prove each of the required elements with the documents set forth in the chart, then you may be referred to Exceptions Processing to prove the required elements with additional/alternative documents.

Proof of address and appropriate payment is also required. Your local driver license office can provide more information.

Do I need to show my Social Security card? What if I don't have one?

You must show your Social Security Card or acceptable proof of your Social Security number when applying for a document for the first time or transferring your out-of-state license. If you do not have proof of your Social Security number you will not be issued a document and will need to obtain proof of your SSN. Social Security office locations.

What if I do not have the necessary documentation to obtain a State of Colorado identification card, but I need verification of eligibility for public benefits?

Visit one of the following driver license offices: Alamosa, Aurora, Boulder, Canon City, Colorado Springs, Cortez, Craig, Delta, Durango, Ft. Collins, Ft. Morgan, Frisco, Glenwood Springs, Hot Sulphur Springs, Grand Junction, Greeley, Gunnison, La Junta, Lamar, Longmont, Montrose, Northglenn, Parker, Pueblo, Salida, Steamboat Springs, Sterling, Trinidad or Westgate to obtain a Request for Waiver form (DR 4678) and present it, along with an affidavit stating that you are lawfully present in the U.S., proof that you are lawfully present in the U.S. and at least one form of identification from the identification requirements chart or the exceptions processing document list. If your information passes all checks, the office will update your benefit indicator in the system and return a copy of the approved form. ​Once your benefit indicator is updated, you will be able to return to the office where you are seeking benefits and have your eligibility verified.

What does the star on my driver license/instruction permit/identification card mean?

The star in the top right corner of your driver license, instruction permit or identification card indicates that your card has been issued in compliance with the federal REAL ID Act. This card may be used as identification for federal purposes, such as boarding an aircraft or entering a federal building.

Card Information

How does the DMV determine what information goes on the driver license/instruction permit/ID card?

The Colorado DMV follows AAMVA standards for the information to be included on the driver license/instruction permit/identification card.

What information is contained on my card's magnetic strip?

The information on the magnetic strip mirrors the information on the physical card, plus any ethnicity information provided as part of House Bill 16-1021.

Photograph

Is religious headwear permitted in driver license or ID card photos?

Religious headwear is permitted in any driver license, instruction permit or identification card photograph as long as the picture meets the driver license photograph standards in order to stay compliant with REAL ID Act.

Renewal

Can I renew my driver license or ID card online?

Online renewal is available to eligible adult regular driver license holders age 21 through 65 and ID card holders over 21 years old. Your previous photo, signature and fingerprint are used for the renewed driver license or ID card. Due to additional requirements, CDL holders are not eligible for this service.

Ten-year documents (valid for a 10-year period) issued between 2001 and 2005 are not eligible to be renewed online or by mail due to updated state and federal requirements regarding photographs.

To determine eligibility for online renewal and documentation you will need to have when you renew your document at an office visit our renewal webpage.

What type of birth certificate do I need?

Birth certificates are routinely used to verify an applicant’s full legal name, date of birth and lawful presence in the United States.

The DMV can only accept a certified copy of a birth certificate filed with a State Office of Vital Statistics or equivalent agency in the applicant’s state of birth. City or borough issued birth certificates are not accepted with the exception of Washington, D.C. and the five boroughs of New York City. We are not able to accept laminated or wallet-sized birth certificates.

Making Changes

How do I change my address on my driver license or ID card?

You do not have to come to a driver license office or buy a new card unless you want your new address displayed on your license, permit or ID card. You may do any one of the following:

Change your address online. After changing your address online, print a label (for example, a return address label) with your new address and affix it to the back of your license, permit or ID card.

Download and print the change of address form (DR2285) from the state's website. Complete the form and drop it in the mail or deliver to a driver license office. After mailing the form, print a label (for example, a return address label) with your new address and affix it to the back of your license, permit or ID card.

Pick up a change of address form at a driver license office. Give the completed form to a driver license employee. You can then print your own label (for example, a return address label) with your new address and affix it to the back of your license, permit or ID card.

Visit a driver license office and provide your current license, permit or ID card, two proof of Colorado address documents showing the new address and payment. A new license, permit or ID card will be mailed to the address you provide.

How do I change my name on my driver license or ID card?

You must visit a driver license office and bring one of the documents from the list below showing your name change. You will be required to purchase another license or ID card.

Certified original marriage certificate (foreign marriage licenses are not accepted)

Certified original civil union certificate

Certified original tribal court marriage certificate

Certified original divorce decree

Certified original decree of separation, with the name restored

Certified original court order of name change

Certified original state or county issued birth certificate if returning to your maiden name

Please Note: All name changes must be on file with the Social Security Administration before visiting a driver license office. It takes at least 24 business hours for changes to be processed with Social Security.

Drivers Under 21

Minors under age 18 must hold their instruction permit for at least twelve months and be at least 16 years old before they are eligible to take a drive skills test. Minors are given credit for any time they hold a permit in this or any other state if they show the permit documentation.

If between 16 years and 16 years, 6 months when applying for a driver license, the teen must hold their permit for 12 months, submit completed and signed drive time log sheets and complete 6 hoursbehind-the-wheel training with a driver education instructor.

If between 16 years, 6 months and 18 years when applying for a driver license, the teen must hold their permit for 12 months and submit completed and signed drive time log sheets.

If between 18 - 21 years, applicants may apply for a driver license at any time after obtaining their permit.

I'm under 18 years old and just got my license, what are the rules?

If you are under 18 years old:

You are not permitted to drive a vehicle carrying one passenger under 21 years old unless you have held your driver license for at least 6 months

You are not permitted to drive a vehicle carrying more than one passenger under 21 years old unless you have held your driver license for at least one year

Exceptions to carrying multiple passengers or passengers under 21 years old:

If an adult passenger is in the vehicle, 21 years of age or older, who has a valid license and has held a driver license for at least one year

If the passenger under 21 needs emergency medical assistance

If the passengers under 21 are members of your immediate family and they are all wearing seatbelts

When carrying passengers, only one passenger may ride in the front seat with you and there can be no more passengers in the back seat than there are seat belts

You and all of your passengers must wear their seat belts

There are also restrictions on the time of day you are permitted to drive:

You cannot drive between the hours of 12 midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless you have held your driver license for at least one year except in the following circumstances:

An adult passenger, 21 years of age or older, is in the vehicle who has a valid license and has held a driver license for at least one year

You are driving to school or a school-authorized activity and the school doesn't provide transportation. You need a signed statement from the school official showing the date of the activity

You are driving because of employment; you must carry a signed statement from your employer verifying your employment

You are driving because of an emergency

Out-of-state Transfers

Can I transfer my CDL to Colorado from another state?

Yes, all valid (or expired less than 1 year) out-of-state CDLs will transfer to Colorado with all endorsements except HAZMAT and school bus.

I want to keep my out-of-state driver license, can I apply for a Colorado ID card?

You cannot hold both a valid driver license and valid ID card. If you are a new resident of Colorado, you must apply for a Colorado card and surrender your out-of-state card.

I am not in Colorado right now and need to renew my license. How can I do that?

If you have a regular license, you may apply for a one year extension (three years for active duty military) or a reissue while out of state. Complete form DR2989 and follow instructions contained on the form. NOTE TO CDL DRIVERS: Due to medical and testing requirements for CDL drivers, only a 30-day extension is available. There is no fee for this 30-day extension. Please submit your request to:

Colorado Department of Revenue

POB 173350 Room 164

Denver CO 80217-3350

NOTE TO CDL DRIVERS IN THE MILITARY: If you have a Colorado CDL license and are based out of the state or overseas, your license is automatically extended for up to 3 years per Colorado Revised Statute 42-2-118(2) as long as a military ID or military orders are presented with the license. Please do not request an extension, no sticker will be mailed to you.

If I move to Colorado, do I have to take a test to transfer my driver license?

What options are available for those turning 21 years old who need to renew, but are out of state?

Colorado driver licenses, instruction permits, and identification cards expire 20 days after an individual turns 21. These documents must be renewed in an office.

Individuals who cannot renew in an office can check their eligibility to extend their license online or submit a Request For Extension (DR2989). This will extend the license for one year or two years if the individual is outside of the country. A new license will not be issued as a result of an extension. Upon return to Colorado, the individual can return to an office to renew their document. Individuals also have the opportunity to explore options for obtaining an adult license in their current state of residence.

Process

How long will it take for my driver license or ID card to arrive?

To provide greater security and align with REAL ID recommendations, all licenses, permits and ID cards are mailed from a secure central location and usually arrive in 10-14 business days, but may take up to 30 business days to be delivered. If it has been over 30 days and you still have not received your card, please contact the office where your card was issued or call 303-205-5948. If your license has not arrived and has not been returned, you have 60 days from the date of issuance to obtain a free duplicate at a state driver license office.

Do I have to wait until my birthday to renew my Colorado driver license or ID card?

Persons turning 21 years old cannot renew their driver license or ID card prior to their birthday. Persons age 22 years old or older may renew their license or ID card at any time prior to the expiration date.

If my license expires, will I need to retest to renew it?

If your license is expired for one year or less, you will not be required to retest. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will be required to take both the written exam and drive skills test.

No. You may visit any driver license office that offers the service you are seeking.

Testing

Can I take my written exam or drive skills test with a school?

Yes. See our complete list of driver education schools who offer both written and drive testing along with driver training and education.

What languages is the written exam offered in?

Tests in state driver license offices are offered in English and Spanish. Third party schools may offer other languages. Translators are allowed for the written portion of the test and the instruction portion of the skills test, however they are not allowed to accompany an individual on the driving test.

Rehabilitation Permits

Interpreters for Hearing Impaired Customers

I am hearing impaired. How do I arrange for a sign language interpreter?

Hearing impaired customers who require an interpreter must make arrangements to meet the interpreter at a designated driver license office and time. Interpreters are allowed for the written portion only. Sign language interpreters can assist with processing transactions. Please note, interpreters may interpret only the basic or motorcycle written test, if they present acceptable identification at the time of the interpretation. Upon completion of the test(s), the interpreter presents the bill for their services to the office manager for payment.
For further information, customers may contact:
24-hour Sign Language Services
Email: 24hrsls@24hrsls.com
Telephone: (888) 811-2424

Organ and Tissue Donation

If I'm an organ donor, will that show on my driver license, permit or ID card?

If you answered "yes" to the organ and tissue donor question when you applied for your license, permit or ID card, then a red heart with a "Y" in the center will show on the front of your license, permit or ID card. Also, by answering "yes", your name is automatically entered in the confidential Donate Life Colorado Registry. For more information, please contact Donor Alliance at 303-329-4747 or 888-868-4747.

Rules and Regulations

Colorado law prohibits a driver with any type of instruction permit from using a cell phone while they are driving. This includes instruction permit holders of all ages. Exceptions are:

If it is an emergency

If the driver is contacting a public safety entity (police, fire department, etc.)

If the driver has parked the vehicle

Colorado law prohibits drivers under 18 years of age from using a cell phone while driving unless it is to contact the police or fire department or it is an emergency. Drivers 18 years and younger may not use a cell or mobile phone for text messaging while driving unless it is to contact the police or fire department or it is an emergency.

What do the restriction codes listed on my driver license mean?

Colorado Revised Statute 42-2-116 authorizes the Department, whenever good cause exists, to restrict, limit or place special conditions on a license to allow a person to continue to operate a motor vehicle, despite the condition or situation that imposed the restriction. Restriction codes, and their corresponding explanation, are as follows:

A = Automatic transmission – This restriction is placed on a license when a customer is physically unable to safely operate a vehicle with a standard transmission.

D = Daylight driving only – This restriction is placed on a license when indicated by a vision specialist.

C = Corrective Lenses – Placed on a license when the 20/40 vision standard can only be met when wearing glasses or contact lenses.

H = Hand Controls – This restriction is placed on the license when the customer is physically unable to safely operate a vehicle with normal, factory-installed equipment. This restriction remains on the driver license until the customer can demonstrate their ability to operate the vehicle safely without hand controls.

G= Left-side rear view mirror or corrective lenses- Placed on a license as indicated on a DR2401 (medical form).

Active Duty Military and Veterans

Does Colorado offer a military identifier for your driver license or ID card?

Yes, you may request a military identifier and/or the word “VETERAN” to be added to your driver license or ID card. When applying, you must present:

Valid military identification card (common access card) OR

DD214

If adding the military identifier, you must choose between Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard or Navy. No additional fee is required to obtain the military identifier or veteran indicator. You may select the military identifier, veteran indicator or both to display on your license or ID card. The military identifier and veteran indicator do not extend to spouses or dependents.